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Data Scientist - job post

TechnoServe South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng 2196•Remote
Permanent

Job details

Job type

  • Permanent

Full job description

Title: Data Scientist
Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Impact team
Location: Remote. Preferred in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique,
Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Nigeria
Grade: 9
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Travel: Possible International up to 10%
TechnoServe Background:
Founded over 50 years ago, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private
sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. A nonprofit organization operating in 29
countries, we work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build
competitive farms, businesses and industries. By linking people to information, capital and
markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.
Team Overview:
The Global Impact team has the mandate to make TechnoServe an industry-leader of the
responsible use of data to manage effectively, generate insight, and drive innovation for fighting
poverty. Specifically, the team integrates with project teams to provide advanced direct technical
assistance. Having a global Impact team, external to project reporting lines, creates value for
TechnoServe and its donor by allowing all projects to have advanced technical skills embedded
in the team without hiring a full time team member, rapidly deploy best-in-class data platforms,
provide objective backstopping, and connecting the project to global learning initiatives.
Additionally, the Impact team runs TechnoServe’s global results reporting systems, leads
working groups, and runs other initiatives to ensure data and results across the organization are
valid.
The team has two components: A Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) leadership team,
and a MEL Technology team. The MEL Leadership team is composed of Senior MEL Managers
that each support a portfolio of 10-20 projects in the design and implementation of MEL
activities. The MEL Technology team is composed of Data Scientists who work hand-in-hand
with the Senior MEL Managers to develop and deploy data platforms and support the effective
use of data throughout the life of the project.
Position Description
The Data Scientist will support a collection of projects (mostly clustered within their region) by
customizing TechnoServes’ standard MEL technology approach to the requirements and
operational context of each project. This is an iterative process that requires strong
communication skills and taking a user-centered design approach. Once the system is
deployed, the Data Scientist will support effective management, reporting, and insight
generation through creating dashboards, analysis, and products that allow project teams to
engage their data. In addition to direct project support, the Data Scientist will help advance

global best practices and the standardization of MEL systems, investigate emerging
technologies, and participate in global working groups. While this is a technical role, success
hinges on integrating with projects, understanding their context and needs, successfully
collaborating, and ultimately delivering an excellent customer experience. Strong soft skills are
therefore critical.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Data Scientist will provide the following support to projects:
  • Develop MEL tech for new projects. This requires working with the project team and
Senior MEL Manager to identify the proper data structure, ICT tools, and use cases to
respond to a project’s needs, then configuring the standard MEL Tech platform and
integrating other technology as needed.
  • Support effective adoption of MEL tech by providing onboarding and ongoing training to
project teams. Modify the system as the project evolves and develop data utilization
tools such as dashboards that respond to emerging needs.
  • Provide strong backstopping support to project-level MEL staff in data management,
data quality, and data privacy.
  • Verify key performance results and institute data quality checks.
  • Perform regular file archiving and manage Google Team Drive folders in collaboration
with MEL Managers and Regional MEL Manager.
The Data Scientist will collaborate on these global initiatives:
  • Refine and roll out MEL tech standards and best practices in collaboration with the
Global Impact Team and practice areas.
  • Participation in the MEL tech community of practice in order to capacity and elevate
emerging talent within the organization.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree with a technical major, such as engineering or computer science,
Information Technology and/or Software Engineering, plus a minimum of seven years of
experience in systems administration, with particular emphasis on data management for
business analytics, monitoring & evaluation, or other business needs that require close to
real-time data use; or Master’s degree with five years relevant experience.
  • Required technical skills (the tools used as part of TechnoServe’s standard approach are
given in parentheses and preference will be given to candidates with specific experience in
these):
o Database development and administration (Google Big Query, SQL)
o No code app building for CRM-style data tools (AppSheets)
o Data visualization tools (e.g.Looker)
o Experience using mobile data collection tools (CommCare)
o Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and/or MS Office
  • Strong soft skills including communication, teamwork, and active listening.
  • Experience with MEL field work and/or the implementation of economic development
projects similar to TechnoServe’s work.
  • Strong attention to detail; specifically, with data quality/cleaning techniques
  • Ability to manage multiple projects at once and work independently and remotely to prioritize
requests from project teams.
  • Ability to proactively identify and address complex problems in a way that responds to end
user needs.
  • Ability to explain complex technology to users of all ability levels in a way that is respectful
and engaging.
  • Strong cross-cultural skills; deep respect for and collaborative spirit working with people of
all educational, socio-economic, demographic backgrounds, and lifestyles.
  • Fluency in business English. Ability to speak French, Spanish, or Portuguese will be an
advantage
  • Willingness to travel regionally 10% of the time. Collaboration with staff based in other
countries will require flexible work schedules.
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